Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service
Jan. 16 - Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, presented outgoing Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Secretary Geren described the Ambassador's support to the U.S.-Japan alliance as tireless, having a tremendous impact, and laying the foundation for Alliance Transformation in the years to come. The medal is the U.S. military's highest civilian award. [Embassy Press Release] (Photo by SSG Matt Clifton, Army Public Affairs)
Return to the United States
Jan. 15 - Ambassador J. Thomas and Mrs. Susanne Silber Schieffer departed Narita Airport for the United States on January 15, the end of the Ambassador's diplomatic mission to Japan. Upon his departure, James P. Zumwalt became Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy.
ESTA Press Conference
Jan. 8 - Ambassador Schieffer, accompanied by Consul General Ray Baca, answered the media's questions about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system. At the event, Azumazeki Stable Master and former sumo wrestler Jesse Takamiyama quickly and successfully completed an online ESTA registration.